In the world of Virgin Galactic Unity 21, we find a multitude of fascinating aspects that invite us to explore, analyze and understand. Virgin Galactic Unity 21 is an exciting topic that covers a wide range of disciplines and fields of study, offering endless possibilities for those who wish to delve into its knowledge. Whether Virgin Galactic Unity 21 is in history, science, technology, culture or any other field, its influence and relevance are undeniable. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Virgin Galactic Unity 21, exploring its origins, developments and impacts on the world today. Join us on this journey of discovery and learning about Virgin Galactic Unity 21.
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VSS Unity in February 2016 | |
| Mission type | Crewed suborbital spaceflight |
|---|---|
| Operator | Virgin Galactic |
| Apogee | 89.23 kilometres (55.44 miles) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | VSS Unity |
| Spacecraft type | SpaceShipTwo |
| Manufacturer | The Spaceship Company |
| Crew | |
| Members | |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 22 May 2021, 15:26 UTC |
| Launch site | Spaceport America Runway 34 |
| Deployed from | VMS Eve |
| End of mission | |
| Landing date | 22 May 2021 |
| Landing site | Spaceport America Runway 16 |
Virgin Galactic Unity 21[1] was a sub-orbital spaceflight of the SpaceShipTwo-class VSS Unity which took place on 22 May 2021, piloted by David Mackay and co-piloted by Frederick Sturckow. It was the first human spaceflight from the state of New Mexico.[2] It was operated by Virgin Galactic, a private company led by Richard Branson which intends to conduct space tourism flights in the future. Unity 21 was the first human spaceflight to be launched from Spaceport America.[3][4]
Reaching an apogee of 55.45 mi (89.24 km), the flight satisfied the United States definition of spaceflight (50 mi (80.47 km)), but fell short of the Kármán line (100 km (62.14 mi)), the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale definition.
| Position | Astronaut | |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Sixth spaceflight | |
| Co-pilot | Second spaceflight | |
On 22 May 2021, Unity's mother ship VMS Eve carried it into flight in a parasite configuration. At 15:26 UTC,[5] Unity was drop launched. Pilots MacKay and Sturckow flew Unity at a maximum speed of Mach 3 to a maximum altitude of over 89.23 km (292,700 ft). This altitude surpassed the 50-mile limit used in the United States to denote the limit of space, but fell short of the Kármán line. Both craft landed safely afterwards.
Unity21 made a beautiful ascent to apogee over Spaceport America, New Mexico.
Space is too good not to share. Our proof is in the incredible views of Earth aboard #Unity21.